The Infiniti QX80 vs Nissan Armada are two full-sized SUVs with a common platform but diverge in luxury, features, and pricing. While both vehicles offer robust performance, spacious interiors, and a reputation for reliability, they cater to different market segments. In this article, we’ll compare the Infiniti QX80 and the Nissan Armada, covering various aspects such as design, performance, interior features, technology, safety, and overall value for money.
Table of Contents
Overview: Infiniti QX80 vs Nissan Armada
The Infiniti QX80 is the flagship SUV from Infiniti, Nissan’s luxury division. It represents the pinnacle of luxury and performance in the brand’s lineup. On the other hand, the Nissan Armada is the more mainstream offering, focusing on providing a strong and capable SUV without the additional luxury trappings.
Despite their differences, these two vehicles are built on the same platform and share many mechanical components, including their powerful V8 engine. However, how these elements are packaged and presented to the consumer varies significantly.
Exterior Design
Infiniti QX80
The Infiniti QX80 is a striking vehicle with a commanding road presence. Its bold and distinctive design has a large grille, sculpted body lines, and a sense of elegance that sets it apart from the competition. The QX80 features full LED lighting, chrome accents, and massive 22-inch alloy wheels, enhancing its luxury appeal. The overall design is more refined and sophisticated, making it an eye-catching vehicle in the city or highway.
Nissan Armada
While the same basic shape as the QX80, the Nissan Armada has a more rugged and utilitarian appearance. It still features a bold grille and strong body lines, but the design language is less luxurious and more functional. Depending on the trim level, the Armada is equipped with 18-inch or 20-inch wheels and offers a more subdued look compared to the QX80. The Armada is ideal for those who want a tough, go-anywhere SUV without the extra flair.
Comparison
In terms of exterior design, the Infiniti QX80 undoubtedly has a more luxurious and upscale appearance. The Nissan Armada, while attractive in its own right, focuses more on practicality and ruggedness. If you’re after a vehicle that makes a strong visual statement and exudes luxury, the QX80 is the better choice. However, the Armada might suit you if you prefer a more understated and robust design.
Interior Comfort and Features
Infiniti QX80
The interior of the Infiniti QX80 is where the vehicle truly sets itself apart from its Nissan counterpart. The cabin is a luxurious sanctuary filled with high-quality materials and advanced technology. Leather upholstery, wood trim, and soft-touch surfaces abound, creating a sense of luxury. The QX80 offers seating for up to eight passengers, with the option for captain’s chairs in the second row, reducing capacity to seven but increasing comfort.
The front seats are heated and ventilated, and the second-row seats offer heating. The QX80 has a dual-screen infotainment system, premium audio system, navigation, and other features to enhance the driving experience. The third row, while spacious, may feel slightly cramped for taller passengers, but it’s more than adequate for children or shorter journeys.
Nissan Armada
While the Nissan Armada’s interior is less luxurious than the QX80’s, it is still comfortable and well-equipped. Depending on the trim level, the Armada features cloth or leather upholstery and offers seating for up to eight passengers. The interior design is more straightforward and functional, focusing on durability and practicality rather than luxury.
The Armada comes with a single 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which, while functional, lacks the dual-screen setup of the QX80. The seats are comfortable, and the third row offers decent space for passengers. However, it doesn’t have the same refinement and premium materials as the Infiniti.
Comparison
Regarding interior comfort and features, the Infiniti QX80 is the clear winner. Its luxurious materials, advanced technology, and attention to detail make it a superior choice for those who value a high-end driving experience. The Nissan Armada, while comfortable and well-equipped, doesn’t quite match the QX80’s level of luxury. However, it’s still a strong contender in its segment, especially for those who prioritise functionality and value over luxury.
Performance and Driving Experience
Infiniti QX80
Under the bonnet, the Infiniti QX80 is powered by a 5.6-litre V8 engine that produces 400 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission and is available in rear and four-wheel drive configurations. The QX80 offers a smooth and powerful driving experience, with plenty of torque for towing or overtaking.
The ride quality is excellent, thanks to its independent rear suspension and advanced adaptive suspension system, which helps smooth rough roads. Despite its large size, the QX80 handles surprisingly well, with responsive steering and good road manners. However, it’s still a large SUV, so don’t expect sports car-like agility.
Nissan Armada
The Nissan Armada shares the same 5.6-litre V8 engine as the QX80, but in this application, it produces slightly less power at 390 horsepower and 394 lb-ft of torque. Like the QX80, the Armada has a seven-speed automatic transmission in both rear and four-wheel drive.
The Armada offers a solid and capable driving experience, with plenty of power for most driving situations. The ride quality is good, although it’s not quite as refined as the QX80. The Armada’s suspension is tuned more for durability and off-road capability, which means it can feel harsher on rough roads than the QX80.
Comparison
In terms of performance, the Infiniti QX80 and Nissan Armada offer strong V8 engines and similar driving dynamics. The QX80 has a slight edge in power and refinement, making it a better choice for those who prioritise a smooth and comfortable driving experience. While not as refined, the Armada offers a more rugged and capable performance, especially for those who plan to do more off-road driving or towing.
Technology and Infotainment
Infiniti QX80
The Infiniti QX80 is packed with technology, including a dual-screen infotainment system with an 8-inch upper screen and a 7-inch lower screen. The upper screen handles navigation, while the lower screen manages audio and climate controls. The system is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 13-speaker Bose audio system is standard, with an optional 17-speaker upgrade available.
The QX80 also offers a rear-seat entertainment system with dual 8-inch screens, wireless headphones, and a range of inputs for media devices. Additional tech features include a 360-degree camera system, adaptive cruise control, and driver assistance.
Nissan Armada
The Nissan Armada features a more straightforward infotainment system than the QX80. It has an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 13-speaker Bose audio system. While the system is functional and easy to use, it lacks the sophistication of the QX80’s dual-screen setup.
The Armada also offers a rear-seat entertainment system, but it’s a single-screen setup rather than the dual screens in the QX80. Regarding technology and infotainment, the Armada provides a good range of features but doesn’t match the QX80’s advanced offerings.
Comparison
Regarding technology and infotainment, the Infiniti QX80 takes the lead with its more advanced and luxurious systems. The dual-screen setup and premium audio options provide a higher level of sophistication than the Armada’s more basic offerings. However, the Armada still offers plenty of tech for the price, making it a solid choice for those who don’t need all the bells and whistles.
Safety Features
Infiniti QX80
Safety is a top priority for Infiniti, and the QX80 has a wide range of advanced safety features. Standard safety equipment includes forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The QX80 also features Infiniti’s Predictive Forward Collision Warning system, which can detect potential collisions two vehicles ahead.
The QX80’s 360-degree camera system with moving object detection provides additional peace of mind when parking or manoeuvring in tight spaces. The SUV’s robust construction and advanced airbag system bolster its strong safety credentials.
Nissan Armada
The Nissan Armada also offers a good range of safety features, though it doesn’t quite match the QX80’s advanced technology. Standard safety features include forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Armada also offers a 360-degree camera system but lacks some of the more advanced safety systems in the QX80.
The Armada’s construction is similarly robust, with a full complement of airbags and stability control systems. However, the absence of more advanced driver assistance features like adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning may be a drawback for some buyers.
Comparison
Regarding safety features, the Infiniti QX80 is the more advanced option, with a broader range of driver assistance systems and safety technologies. The Nissan Armada offers a good level of safety, but it doesn’t quite match the QX80’s comprehensive suite of features. For those who prioritise safety and advanced driver aids, the QX80 is the better choice.
Fuel Efficiency
Infiniti QX80
Given its size and powerful V8 engine, the Infiniti QX80 isn’t the most fuel-efficient vehicle on the road. The rear-wheel-drive version’s EPA rating is around 14 mpg in the city and 20 mpg on the highway, with the four-wheel-drive model achieving slightly lower figures. This level of fuel economy is typical for a vehicle in this class but may be a concern for those looking for more efficiency.
Nissan Armada
The Nissan Armada’s fuel efficiency is similar to that of the QX80, with an EPA rating of around 14 mpg in the city and 19 mpg on the highway for the rear-wheel-drive version. The four-wheel-drive model also sees a slight decrease in fuel economy. Like the QX80, the Armada’s fuel efficiency is on the lower side, which is to be expected given its size and power.
Comparison
In terms of fuel efficiency, both the Infiniti QX80 and Nissan Armada are on par with each other, offering similar figures. Neither vehicle is particularly fuel-efficient, so if fuel economy is a primary concern, you may consider other options. However, the fuel economy trade-off is often seen as a necessary compromise for those who need these SUVs’ power and capability.
Towing Capacity
Infiniti QX80
The Infiniti QX80 is a capable towing vehicle, with a maximum towing capacity of 8,500 pounds. This makes it suitable for towing large trailers, boats, or other heavy loads. The QX80 also comes with a tow mode, which adjusts the vehicle’s transmission and throttle response to optimise performance when towing.
Nissan Armada
The Nissan Armada matches the QX80 in terms of towing capacity, also offering a maximum of 8,500 pounds. Like the QX80, the Armada has a tow mode and other features designed to make towing more accessible and safer. Whether you’re towing a trailer for a weekend getaway or hauling heavy equipment, the Armada can get the job done.
Comparison
When it comes to towing capacity, both the Infiniti QX80 and Nissan Armada are evenly matched. Both vehicles offer the same towing capabilities, making them excellent choices for those who need to tow heavy loads. The two decisions will likely come down to other factors, such as luxury features and pricing.
Pricing and Value
Infiniti QX80
The Infiniti QX80 is positioned as a luxury SUV, and its pricing reflects that. The base model starts at around £72,000, with higher trim levels and additional options pushing the price closer to £80,000. While this is a significant investment, the QX80 offers a high level of luxury, performance, and features that justify its price for those in the market for a premium vehicle.
Nissan Armada
The Nissan Armada is more affordable than the QX80, with a starting price of around £53,000. Even at its highest trim level, the Armada remains more budget-friendly than the QX80, making it an attractive option for those who want a capable full-sized SUV without the luxury price tag.
Comparison
Regarding pricing and value, the Nissan Armada offers a more affordable entry point into the full-sized SUV market. However, the Infiniti QX80 justifies its higher price with a more luxurious interior, advanced technology, and a superior overall experience. The decision between the two will depend on your budget and whether you prioritise luxury or value.
Conclusion
The Infiniti QX80 and Nissan Armada are excellent full-sized SUVs catering to different buyers. The QX80 is the clear choice for a luxurious, high-performance vehicle with all the bells and whistles. Its sophisticated design, advanced features, and superior comfort make it a standout option in the luxury SUV market.
On the other hand, the Nissan Armada is a more practical and affordable choice for those who need the capability of a full-sized SUV without the premium price tag. While it may lack some of the luxury touches of the QX80, it still offers strong performance, a comfortable interior, and a good range of features.
Choosing between the Infiniti QX80 and Nissan Armada will ultimately determine your priorities. If luxury, advanced technology, and a premium driving experience are at the top of your list, the QX80 is the way to go. However, the Armada is a solid choice if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option with plenty of capability and comfort.